What makes a good nurse?
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just wanted to know your comments. What strengths do you think you need to enter into the nursing field. What weaknesses would hold you back?;)... Read More

Mar 11, '05

This is a really good question as I have wondered if I have what it takes. I want to volunteer at some point to see if that gives me an idea. I have been told that I would make a good nurse b/c I have patience and am kind to people. However, I am also acutely aware of my weakness's. It will take me awhile to get through school, so I have time to work on those! I tend to take things personally (and in the back of my mind, I know when I am doing it and that I am being too sensitive!) and confidence is something I have never really had much of but is getting much better as I get older and try new things. It sounds silly, but something as simple as learning to knit and succeeding has built my confidence. Also, I am taking chemistry now and got a 99% on my first exam! In the past, I wouldn't have had the confidence to attempt the class....but I am so glad I am taking it. It's really rewarding to try new things and see just what you're capable of...even through failure once can learn from it and move on!
To me, the most rewarding job to have would be to make a difference in a life....even if people don't always appreciate you; you have the knowledge that the job you do contributes to the wellness of society...even if it's a small part! One life at a time.

Mar 11, '05

I believe the most important quality is compassion. No matter how good your skills and how much knowledge you have, without compassion for your patients you will not make a "Good Nurse"

I also believe you need to be somewhat aggressive, especially when it comes to being a patient advocate. If you question a type of treatment or order from the doctor, don't be afraid to confront him with your concerns and get the answers you need to be comfortable that what you do will benefit your patient.

Dont ever think you know everything, you learn something new everyday in the nursing field. Dont ever let your ego get in the way of asking questions when you don't know, I have seen this happen with the results being med errors and harm to patients.

I see a lot of new grads that are meek and afraid to question orders, believe me when I say that some doctors and nurses will walk all over you if you let them.

Mar 11, '05

A good nurse know's when to trust her gut and when to ask questions about anything. There is nothing more dangerous than a cavalier nurse (or doc).

Mar 13, '05

Do you believe this is a trait that can be developed? I think this is a principle we all need to learn for life in general. This is a very good point.

Quote from gamegirlkimmy

I believe the most important quality is compassion. No matter how good your skills and how much knowledge you have, without compassion for your patients you will not make a "Good Nurse"

I also believe you need to be somewhat aggressive, especially when it comes to being a patient advocate. If you question a type of treatment or order from the doctor, don't be afraid to confront him with your concerns and get the answers you need to be comfortable that what you do will benefit your patient.

Dont ever think you know everything, you learn something new everyday in the nursing field. Dont ever let your ego get in the way of asking questions when you don't know, I have seen this happen with the results being med errors and harm to patients.

I see a lot of new grads that are meek and afraid to question orders, believe me when I say that some doctors and nurses will walk all over you if you let them.

Compassion, honesty, patience, self-assertiveness, willingness to continually learn, being able to work with others, & the ability to do 5 things at once with a full bladder & aching feet... :chuckle

Mar 15, '05

[font=Comic Sans MS]You have to be at least A LITTLE crazy!!!

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Mar 15, '05

A good nurse can see the person behind the illness. S/he cares for the whole person, from the biological, to the psycho/social, to the spiritual dimension of a person. S/he is an integrator also as s/he can speak the languages of different professions (doctors, social worker, therapist, chaplain) and is in the best positiion to coordinate and communicate all these different specialized areas. S/he knows when to be gentle and when to be strong, when to yeild and when to stand one's ground.

-Dan

ps. Having a warp sense of humor also helps.

Dec 17, '08

I am asking myself that question a lot lately.
I believe if you are a fairly new nurse you should always ask questions and never asume you get through a situation by yourself and get it wrong!! Asking questions is a strenghs and not a weakness. Observe the nurses who ave experience and pick the great ones and you will learn from them.
Flexibility is important, if you are not flexible you get stuck and run into a one way street.

But most important is passion for what you do every day it is not only a job, every day you give a part of yourself and if you do not love what you do it will be notticed.

Respect for for everyone you work with and your patients and always be honest!!!

Bofore I get out of my car every morning I tell myself two things I will improve that day and it motivates me over and over again.

Have a Merry Christmas

Daniela

Dec 17, '08

I agree with everything that has been posted. I believe a strong sense of self and common sense is needed to do the job. The ability to put all the pieces together and see the big picture also comes in handy. Without the aforementioned attributes, it will be hard to make the best impact for the patient in the profession.

Dec 18, '08

there are 3 kinds of nurses - those who are constantly trying to learn everything they can to be the best. those that think they are already the best. and those that crash and burn because they will never be either. i was one of the latter.

Jan 7, '09

A good nurse is:
One that can act on behalf of the patient....ALWAYS!
One that sets aside personality issues to assist a fellow nurse - to the good of all!
One that will give 100% of their knowledge - 100% of the time!
One that can be compassionate, caring and understanding!
One that will always strive to be the best - learning from ALL of your co-workers - even those you don't like!
One that can work as well under pressure as under no pressure!
One that leaves emotions and prejudices at home - and acts clinically, but with the c,c,u mentioned above.
One that stives to make the profession be all it can be!